Stratford looks to revive business group to support owners in the growing town | CBC News
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As Stratford continues to grow, some say it’s time for the P.E.I. town to revive a group that supports local business owners.
The town had a business group in the past, but it dissolved after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Certainly the connection for everybody is much needed,” said Leigh Read, a resident and member of the former Stratford Business Group.
“When you’re running a business or you’re part of a business, you always feel like you’re on your own, and sometimes there are things that you need to discuss and share, and you can within this group.”
Island Morning6:54Stratford business group
The Town of Stratford says it needs to renew its local business group. Jill Chandler, a town councillor, and Leigh Read, a resident and member of the former Stratford Business Group, join us to talk about the need to support local businesses.
Read moved to P.E.I. in 2016, and said the business group’s support gave him peace of mind and a sense of comfort in knowing that others were going through similar experiences.
“It’s really important as the Town of Stratford grows … that we look after each other,” he said.
“We’re willing … to stand up and support and look after businesses, and embrace new businesses coming to the area because we have the ability to grow.”
The town is hosting a planning session Wednesday to try to bring the Stratford Business Group back to life, and discuss plans to help the business community thrive.
It will be held at the Stratford Town Centre at 6:30 p.m.
Growing community
The growth of the business community in Stratford is “kind of constant,” said Coun. Jill Chandler.
Between brick-and-mortar and home-based operations, Chandler said it’s hard to put a number on exactly how many businesses there are in the town — but officials expect to see the growth continue.
The biggest benefit of a business group like the one the town is hoping to revive, she said, is that it helps connect people and businesses.
“The Town of Stratford has done a great job in connecting to specific audiences, and we’ve had … record levels of engagement over the past year,” Chandler said, adding that building and maintaining relationships with the business community is important for the town to know how best to support members and residents.
“Being open and receptive to those conversations and recognizing that they’re important is a big positive.”