FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlottetown, PE (May 22, 2025) – The Prince Edward Island Business Economic Council (PEIBEC) was introduced this week, together with the Chambers across the Island, during the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual President’s Luncheon.
This new Island-wide initiative represents a transformative moment for the business community, uniting Chambers and business leaders from tip to tip in a shared commitment to sustainable economic prosperity.
PEIBEC is a non-partisan, member-funded volunteer council composed of PEI Chamber appointed representatives and seasoned business leaders from diverse industries across Prince Edward Island. Together, they offer a unified and independent voice to drive sound economic policy, champion entrepreneurship, and provide evidence-based recommendations through an annual white paper and economic scorecard as well as projected long-term outlook for prosperity. This coordinated effort leverages the power of local business to shape a more prosperous, competitive, and sustainable future for all Islanders.
The launch featured remarks from Kim Griffin, former president of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber and one of the Council’s founding members Past President Ben Parsons.
“PEIBEC is more than just a council – it’s a movement. It’s about showing the strength of our local business community and proving that when we work together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable economy for generations of Islanders,” said Griffin. “As a lifelong Islander and advocate for business, I couldn’t be prouder to help champion this initiative with so many leaders across the Island that will serve both today’s entrepreneurs and tomorrow’s leaders.”
PEIBEC’s creation reflects the incredible dedication and shared vision of all six Island Chambers of Commerce, together with business leaders from those chambers, for long-term economic prosperity.
Annual membership with an Island-based Chamber is a prerequisite for joining the Council, further reinforcing the unity of this province-wide network. The Council’s first project is an official Economic Scorecard and White Paper, which will provide actionable insights to business, governments, educators, and the wider community when it is released in July alongside the full launch of the initiative.
The PEIBEC group with some of the members present at the GCACC’s President’s Luncheon kick-off, from left to right: Bianca McGregor, CEO of Greater Charlottetown Chamber; Riley Ramsay ED of West Prince Chamber; Raymond Arsenault, ED of Acadian and Francophone Chamber; Ben Parsons, GCACC Past President; Alecia Arsenault, Coordinator at Acadian and Francophone Chamber; David Campbell, economist and Jupia Consultant President; Kim Griffin, former President & Life Member of GCACC; Julie Hambly, GCACC President; Sandra Hodder, Eastern Chamber CEO; Mitch Martin, Greater Summerside Chamber CEO; Julie Corbett, Kensington & Area Chamber ED; Monika Wang, Summerside Chamber President.