"Driving Economic Growth: Unveiling the Vision of Claus Schmidt, Executive Director of CBDC Central PEI"
A BizVoice interview with Claus Schmidt
Meet Claus
“While working in Summerside, I’ve had countless moments when clients look me in the eyes and say “Thank you”. – Claus Schmidt
1. How long have you been living and working in Summerside?
2. What was your journey to landing as the Executive Director of CBDC Central?
“Pivoting” would be the best way to describe my journey to landing my position as ED. Being in the Tourism industry, my wife and I have 2 stores on the island (Spinnakers’ & Peakes Quay), and just before the pandemic hit, we were expanding to another brand name and had 3 stores. With 3 children, it was imperative to look for other sources of income to “survive”. Fortunately, a great opportunity came forward at the CBDC, and I first started as a Business Development Officer. I have now been the ED since Jan 2022, and proud to lead our CBDC Central PEI Team!
3. Tell us one of your most memorable experiences while working at CBDC Central?
This is a hard question, as there are so many! Truthfully, being part of the CBDC, has been very special, as we have so many business owners that would not have started their entrepreneurship journey without us. While working in Summerside, I’ve had countless moments when clients look me in the eyes and say “Thank you”. You can feel their emotions and it really touches the heart…successful business owner = strong community = want to live in Summerside!
4. What would be a fun fact that most people wouldn’t know about working for CBDC Central?
Who would have thought giving out loans and doing so much paperwork, would be so much fun! Helping our business community is extremely rewarding – even when we need to endure stressful files!
5. What is the work culture like at CBDC Central?
Team building is very important in our office. We have a small Team, but many of our projects involve almost all of us to help our clients. A lot of projects can be stressful, but we like to laugh and share our experiences together which creates a strong bond!
6. Why did you choose Summerside to live and work?
City by the Sea!!! Love it!!! So much potential in Summerside, and Spinnakers’ Landing has been very special to us!
7. What is one business that you wish Summerside had?
Hard to say, “one business”, but would love to see something like “Victoria Row” in Charlottetown…cobble stone street, closed to cars in the summer or year-round, cafes…like those European settings.
8. If someone was thinking about moving to live and work in Summerside, what advice would you give them?
Visit the area and really try to get a “good look” what Summerside has to offer…just the CUP is incredible and is an amazing facility for the city size Summerside is! I have countless newcomers who are amazed just by the CUP…let alone everything else Summerside has to offer!
Stop in at CBDC Central PEI today!
(902) 888-3793
